Author: Gu Yuxi Editor: Gu Yuxi Translator: Gu Yuxi
Many women share a common concern: scanty menstrual flow that remains unaddressed despite years of seeking medical advice. Delving deeper into this phenomenon, it becomes evident that there’s a close link between it and modern lifestyles, particularly dietary habits. In clinical practice, we’ve observed that a common characteristic among many female patients with scanty menstrual flow is a long-term lack of meat in their diet. Modern medical research corroborates this observation, suggesting a direct correlation between prolonged reduced menstrual flow and unhealthy eating habits, especially long-term vegetarianism.
Energy and Nutrient Deficiency: The Hidden Danger of a “Dormant” Reproductive System
Long-term avoidance of meat or insufficient meat intake directly leads to a lack of energy and nutrients. If you follow a long-term vegetarian diet but fail to ensure sufficient calorie and nutrient intake through proper dietary combinations, it can easily result in being underweight. When the body is in an energy-deprived state, it prioritizes allocating its limited energy to essential life-sustaining functions, such as heartbeat and respiration. At this point, the reproductive system enters a “dormant” state, its normal functions suppressed, leading to a natural reduction in menstrual flow. This is a self-protective mechanism the body employs to cope with an energy crisis.
Protein Deficiency: A Key Factor in Endocrine Imbalance
Protein is crucial for a woman’s endocrine system and hormone balance. It is a key component of various hormones, enzymes, and even the “delivery carriers” of hormones—carrier proteins. Chronic protein deficiency directly impacts hormone synthesis and secretion, leading to endocrine disorders and, consequently, reduced menstrual flow. On a deeper level, protein is fundamental for building and repairing body tissues. Its deficiency affects overall metabolism and physiological functions, and menstruation, as a vital part of a woman’s physiological cycle, is naturally affected.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective: Qi and Blood Deficiency and Scanty Menstruation
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, long-term avoidance of meat or insufficient meat intake easily leads to severe deficiency of Qi and blood. Qi and blood are the fundamental substances that sustain human life activities; Qi is Yang, and blood is Yin, and they are interdependent, nourishing the entire body together. Qi and blood deficiency directly causes scanty menstrual flow. Simply put, this means the body lacks sufficient substances to generate blood, or the functions of the organs responsible for storing blood and regulating menstruation (such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys) are weakened due to lack of nourishment, making them unable to effectively maintain a normal menstrual cycle and flow.
Coping Strategies: Reintroducing Meat and Diversified Nutritional Supplementation
To fundamentally improve and cure the problem of scanty menstruation, in addition to seeking diagnosis and treatment from a professional doctor, adjusting dietary habits is crucial. We strongly recommend ensuring an appropriate intake of meat at each meal, if conditions permit. Meat is not only an excellent source of high-quality protein but also rich in iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and many other trace elements vital for women’s health.
For those who genuinely cannot consume meat due to religious, ethical, or other special reasons, there are still ways to supplement protein and related nutrients:
- Soy Products: Tofu, dried tofu, soy milk, and other soy products are excellent sources of high-quality plant-based protein and are easy to digest and absorb.
- Mushrooms: Various mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, enoki, and lion’s mane are not only rich in protein but also contain polysaccharides and other nutrients that help boost immunity.
- Plant Protein Powder, Nuts, Seeds: Plant protein powders, various nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, cashews), and seeds (such as chia seeds, flaxseeds) effectively supplement protein, healthy fats, and dietary fiber.
- Eggs: If there are no strict vegetarian requirements, eggs are a convenient option for obtaining high-quality protein and various vitamins and minerals.
- Ginger-Jujube Tea: In TCM philosophy, ginger-jujube tea has the effect of warming the middle and tonifying Qi and blood, which can be an auxiliary aid for scanty menstruation caused by Qi and blood deficiency, but it cannot replace the intake of essential nutrients like protein.
Disclaimer:
The experiences and insights shared above represent the author’s personal usage and understanding, and are provided for reference only as part of academic exchange. Please do not blindly replicate or apply them; any consequences arising from such actions are solely your responsibility. As individual constitutions vary, medication should be tailored accordingly. It is advisable to use such treatments under the guidance of a qualified physician. If you have additional experiences to share, comments and submissions are welcome.
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